Performing Fine Arts Magnet

Performing Fine Arts Magnet

Magnet Application Now Open:

NOVEMBER 1 - FEBRUARY 15

Apply to the Performing Arts Magnet

Instrumental Track

Please contact Jon Brown with questions about the instrumental track.

Woodwinds/Brass (Band)

Woodwinds and Brass players can either complete a Wind Ensemble audition or do the following:

  • Perform at least eight major scales from memory.
  • Perform the chromatic scale, two octaves.
  • Perform the FBA All State technical étude (available at www.flmusiced.org/FBA)

 

In addition, performers will be asked to prepare one additional selection:

  • Perform one other solo or étude (approximately 1 minute in length) of your choosing

 

Percussion (Band)

Percussionists must demonstrate proficiency in multiple areas by performing the following études:

 

Orchestra

Orchestra players must complete the following requirements: (please select instrument)
2023 Bass Audition with Excerpts
2023 Cello Audition with Excerpts
2023 Viola Audition with Excerpts
2023 Violin Auditions with Excerpts

 

Guitar

  • Perform from memory the C, G, or D major scale, one octave with arpeggio.
  • Perform from memory the A, E, or B natural minor scale, one octave with arpeggio.
  • Perform two of the following selections:

 

Piano

  • Perform from memory the C, G, or D major scale, two-handed, one octave with arpeggio.
  • Perform the chromatic scale, two-handed, one octave.
  • Perform two of the following selections:

Vocal Track

Please contact Yelitza Greene with questions about the vocal track.

Students should arrive to vocal auditions with the following prepared:

  • Recommendation letter from a music teacher (e.g. chorus director or private voice teacher) testifying to the student’s abilities and character.  The form can be found here: Vocal Track Recommendation
  • One prepared piece in a classical style (art song, aria, musical theatre, or other material from the classical repertoire.)  Please bring sheet music or book (a copy is allowed) in the key to be sung OR an accompaniment track (instrumental without your voice part) on a flash drive.  We will have a piano accompanist, if music is provided. Singing a cappella is not an option.
  • Sight Reading.  The type of exercise that will be sight read can be found here: Sample Sight-Reading
  • Meeting with student and parent/guardian.

Students will be evaluated on preparedness, tone quality, stage presence, ability, and potential.

Theatre Track

Please contact Alex Mendez-Napoleoni with questions about the theatre track.

There are three options for students auditioning for the theatre track.

Option 1

Prepare two (2) contrasting monologues (dramatic/comedic or classical/contemporary), not to exceed 3 minutes total.

Option 2

Prepare one monologue and 90 seconds of a solo musical theatre song (no pop/rock songs.) You must provide an accompaniment track to use for your audition.

Option 3

Prepare a tech portfolio demonstrating proficiency in technical theatre and design. Be prepared to present your work and describe your process/vision.

Your Portfolio can include any of the following:

  • Costume Design: Drawings, paintings, garments you have made. These do not need to be theatrical if you happen to do fashion work for other areas.
  • Lighting Design: Drawings, paintings, photography, drafting/lighting plots, etc.
  • Scene Design: Drawings, paintings, still life, drafting, etc.
  • Stage Management: Prompt scripts, cue sheets, ground plans, rehearsal notes, programs, etc.
  • Technical Direction: Drafting samples, objects you have built, photographs, production paperwork, etc.

Dance Track

Please contact Elise Mele with questions about the dance track.

The dance track requires a live audition. Applicants can expect to:

  • Perform a guided ballet center warm up.
  • Perform a jazz combination across-the-floor.
  • Perform a modern center combination.
  • The audition will end with improvisation.

Applicants will be evaluated on performance quality, memorization, and overall technique in each style for placement in the appropriate level class. At your audition, please observe the following:

Attire

  • Girls: Black leotard OR black fitted shirt with black leggings OR black pants OR pink tights. Convertible tights are highly recommended.
  • Boys: Black fitted shirt with black fitted pants or shorts.
  • Please, no bike shorts or crop tops.

Footwear

  • Ballet shoes, jazz shoes, or barefoot.
  • Tennis shoes are not permissible.

Hair

  • If your hair is long enough, please have it in a bun.
  • Hair should not be in the dancer’s face.

Jewelry

  • Small studs for the ears are fine.
  • No dangling or excessive jewelry is allowed.

The University High School Performing Fine Arts Magnet immerses students from across Orange County into a comprehensive performance-based curriculum. The program develops creative thinking as an artist, confidence in performance, and prepares students for college auditions, should they continue in that direction.

Students in the Performing Arts Magnet select one of four tracks:

  • The Vocal Track is for singers who will be joining our nationally recognized choral program.
  • The Theatrical Track is for performers who wish to focus on our drama program.
  • The Instrumental Track includes our award-winning Band, Orchestra, Piano, and Guitar programs.
  • The Dance Track features both modern and traditional dance styles and techniques.

Performing Arts Magnet students are eligible for two performing ensembles each year, as well as a third elective to go deeper, focusing on music theory and history, stagecraft, musical theater, and more.


Please contact the sponsor of each track for more information:

Track Sponsors

Vocal:
Yelitza Greene

Theatrical
:
Alex Mendez-Napoleoni

Instrumental (Band)
:
Jon Brown

Instrumental (Orchestra):

Lisa Coyne

Instrumental (Piano/Guitar):
 
Carmen Aquino

Dance:

Elise Mele


Let the show go on!

PFA Handbook 2022-2023

  • (updated 2/13/2023)